Lexus completely redesigned its NX small SUV for 2022, and the new-generation model ushers in the brand's first plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h+. It joins other NX versions — there's also a regular hybrid, the NX 350h — and shares its mechanicals with the highly regarded Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in. As such, the NX 450h+ employs the same four-cylinder gas engine and dual-electric motor setup, which is good for a combined 304 horsepower.
The power is nice, but fuel economy is the main reason you'll be interested in the 450h+. Charge up its battery and you'll be able to drive perhaps 35-40 miles on all-electric power. After that, the 450h+ switches to regular hybrid operation, where you'll get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg. If you have a short commute and are able to frequently recharge, it's likely you can go long durations without ever having to fill up with gas.
Inside, the NX has a new cabin design that looks more cohesive and less busy than before. The first thing you'll notice is the wide central display canted toward the driver. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard and can be upgraded to a 14-inch screen with a combination of virtual and physical controls for the climate system. This is a massive departure from other Lexus models, which usually are equipped with a central display mounted far from the driver and controlled by touchpad.
The NX 450h+ enters a growing field of plug-in hybrid luxury SUV competitors, which also includes the Audi Q5 plug-in, Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in. Find out how the NX 450h+ stands up to its rivals by reading our Expert Rating below.
The 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ is offered in two trim levels: Base and F Sport Handling. Both models are powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors (one front, one rear), which produce a combined 304 horsepower. All-wheel drive comes standard. Feature highlights include:
2022 Lexus NX 450h+
2022 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is a comfortable, well-put-together SUV, but there's nothing about it that makes it a standout pick. The plug-in Q5 55 TFSI e version has an estimated 23-mile all-electric range and makes a combined 362 hp. The Lexus NX 450h+ beats it on range, but the Audi makes more power. However, the Lexus undercuts it by several thousand dollars.
Like other Volvos, the XC60 has an elegant and understated sense of luxury. Its clean design lines and well-appointed interior impress without screaming, "Hey, I drive a luxury car." The plug-in Recharge T8 Extended Range model features a hybrid drivetrain that produces a potent 455 hp and can drive 36 miles on battery power alone. The XC60 Recharge T8 has a starting price below the NX plug-in's, though you'll have to upgrade to the Ultimate trim to get all the same features.
With two hybrids in the NX lineup, should you opt for the plug-in or the more conventional electric-assisted model? A lot of that will depend on your lifestyle. If you commute every day and have places to charge at home and at work, you'd benefit greatly from the NX 450h+'s 37-mile EV range. The NX 350h makes less power (240 hp), though it also costs over $10,000 less than the plug-in variant and gets slightly better mileage. But if you can make use of the 450h+'s battery-only mode, the money you save on gas could make the plug-in worth it in the long run.
Lexus' small luxury SUV, the NX, is fully redesigned for 2022. There are a number of enhancements, such as a roomier interior and a new infotainment system that's easier to use. Also on the highlight list is the all-new 2022 Lexus NX 450h+.
The NX450h+'s powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with plug-in hybrid componentry and standard all-wheel drive. This is the same powertrain that drives the Toyota RAV4 Prime, an SUV that shares a common platform with the NX. It produces 302 horsepower and can accelerate the NX 50h+ from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. This makes the 450h+ the quickest model in the NX lineup, which includes the base NX 250, the turbocharged NX 350 and the regular hybrid 350h.
The first thing you'll notice upon entering the cabin is the wide central display canted toward the driver. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard, and can be upgraded to a 14-inch screen with a combination of virtual and physical controls for the climate system. This is a massive departure from other Lexus models, which usually are equipped with a central display mounted far from the driver and controlled by touchpad. We haven't even tried this system firsthand, but desperately hope the new screen percolates throughout the Lexus lineup. We panned the previous NX's display screen/touchpad combo for being overly distracting to use while driving.
The Lexus NX 450h+ comes with a ton of cool tech features. All models are equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, so you can access your smartphone's entertainment and map apps without having to plug in. On the options list is a 10-inch head-up display that projects useful information onto the windshield for easy viewing. The available navigation system is now cloud-based, which Lexus says allows for more accurate mapping. The system even recognizes when you're about to enter an area with low 4G coverage, and will download maps in advance so navigation is uninterrupted.
Edmunds saysThe 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ is an intriguing addition to the NX lineup. It's quicker than all of its stablemates, yet offers impressive EV range and rapid charging. The new NX's enhanced technology and driver aids just sweeten the deal.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+:
The least-expensive 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ is the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $56,150.
Other versions include:
